Story perspectives

Bill Creates State Dam Safety Reserve, Mandates Fees, Reporting

4/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

Legislators introduced House Bill 5485 to create a state-funded dam safety reserve and matching-grant repairs program.
The bill would amend the 1994 Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to add new dam safety requirements.
It mandates a 15-year, five-round registration with fees of $500-$3,000 based on height.
Owners must report flood threats within 24 hours and must ensure high- and significant-hazard dams keep emergency plans, inspection reports, and a five-year drill.

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Story summary

Legislators introduced House Bill 5485 to create a state-funded dam safety reserve and matching-grant repairs program.
The bill would amend the 1994 Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to add new dam safety requirements.
It mandates a 15-year, five-round registration with fees of $500-$3,000 based on height.
Owners must report flood threats within 24 hours and must ensure high- and significant-hazard dams keep emergency plans, inspection reports, and a five-year drill.